Characters (Stevie Wonder album)

Musical style and production

Characters is characteristic of Wonder's 1980s work: layered synthesizers, drum machines or electronic percussion, and multi-instrumental arrangements largely overseen by the artist himself. Many songs on the album blend elements of traditional soul, contemporary pop, and R&B production techniques. Wonder's role as composer, arranger and producer is a prominent feature of the album's creative identity.

Tracks and notable collaborations

The album contains a mixture of uptempo tracks and ballads. It produced singles that received radio play and chart presence. One of the most talked-about collaborations on Characters is the duet "Get It," recorded with Michael Jackson, which drew attention because both artists were among the era's most prominent performers.

Context and reception

Coming after Wonder's mid-1980s releases, Characters reflects his adaptation to contemporary production methods while retaining his songwriting voice. Critical responses were varied: some listeners welcomed the modern textures and strong performances, while others preferred his earlier, more organic recordings. Commercially, the album extended Wonder's presence in pop and R&B markets during the late 1980s.

Importance and notable facts

• The record is part of Wonder's long tenure with Motown, the label that released many of his landmark albums.
• The duet with Michael Jackson is one of the album's most cited moments and highlights cross-artist collaboration of the period.
• Musically, Characters illustrates how a veteran soul artist incorporated synthesizers and contemporary studio techniques into his work.

For listeners exploring Stevie Wonder's catalog, Characters offers a view of his later-20th-century output: artist-driven production, collaborative moments, and a mix of socially aware material and love songs shaped by the sonic trends of the time.